Laurence Maroney had 54 yards on 13 carries for the Gophers. Marion Barber III had 36 yards on eight carries.

Both Maroney and Barber entered the game among the nation's top 20 rushers. Minnesota entered the game averaging 301 yards rushing per game, third best in the nation behind only Rice and Texas.

Minnesota quarterback Bryan Cupito was 11-of-33 for 211 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

"They took it to us, and it kind of turned into an embarrassment," Cupito said.

Ernest Wheelwright was a bright spot for the Gophers, with three catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns.

The Spartans jumped on Minnesota early, scoring on their first two possessions to take a 14-0 lead.

"We started off fast and played hard the entire game," Michigan State coach John L. Smith said. "We're continuing to get better."

Minnesota's Justin Fraley intercepted a pass by Stanton on Michigan State's next possession. That led to a 37-yard Rhys Lloyd field goal, cutting the Michigan State lead to 14-3.

Minnesota never got closer.

Minnesota passed up two field goal attempts in the second quarter, opting instead to try fourth-down conversions to keep drives alive. The Gophers failed both times, and had an apparent first down wiped out when referees ruled that Michigan State had called a timeout before the snap.